Electrode for electrolytic cells.



J. B. BURDETT.

ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROLYTIC CELLS.

APPLICATION FILED OCT. 29. 1912.

1,154,092, Patented Sept. 21, 1915.

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IIT STAT PATENT FIOE.

JOHN B. BURDETT, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, ASSIGNOR TO DAVIS 'BOURNONVILLECOM- PANY, OF NEW YORK, N.' Y., AND CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, A CORPORATION OFNEW YORK.

ELECTRODE FOR ELECTROLYTIC CELLS.

Specification of Letters'latent.

Patented Sept. 21, 19%15.

A iplication filed October 29, 1912. Serial No /528,388.

of such construction as to reduce the internal 7 electrical resistanceof the cell.

Other objects of the invention will appear more fully hereinafter.

The invention consists substantially in the construction, combination,location and relative arrangement of parts, all as will be more fullyhereinafter set'forth, as shown in the accompanying drawing and finallypointed out in the appended claims.

Figure 1 is a View in side elevation partly broken, of one form ofelectrode embodying my invention. Fig. 2 is an end view of the same.Fig. 3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, showing the electrode plates asbeing corrugated. Fig. 4 is a view similar to Fig. 1 showing theelectrode plateswith slots or openings therethrough.

'In the manufacture of oxygen and hydrogen for commercial use, it isacommon practice to' sub'ect \an aqueous caustic alkali solution, aci orother suitable liquid, to the decomposing action of an electric currentin an electrolytic cell containing the solution. In this operationelectrode plates are immersed in the solution and the terminals of anelectric circuit are connected to the plates, said plates beingseparated and insuated from each other. The passage of the electriccurrent through the electrolyte de-- composes the liquid and oxy en gasis evolved at one electrode plate, w ile hydrogen gas is evolved at theother electrode plate. These gases are separately collected andconducted away from the cell to suitable storage tanks or containers foruse in the industries and arts. In order to attain the best results aswell as eflicient and economical operation of the electrolytic cell, itis exceedingly desirable. to reduce the internal electrical resistanceof the cell to the lowest possible point. It is also desirable topresent as much surface area of the elec-' trode plates within theavailable space therefor as is possible, thereby reducing to the lowestpoint the intensity of current per unit of surface, while at the sametime permitfing an eflicient circulation of the electroyte.

It is among the special purposes of my present invention to provide anelectrode plate for use in electrolytic cells of this nature whichattains these and other desirable ebjects and purposes.

In Figs. 1 and 2 I have shown'my inven-' tion in one form of embodimentthereof and wherein 15 designates the electrode plates, placed side byside and in close proximity to each other, but separated slightly apart.In this form, the plates are of generally rectangular shape and arecomposed of suitable metal and, in operation, are designed to beimmersed in the electrolyte, and preferably to a depth suflicient forthe hydrostatic head or pressure of the'electrolyte to serve thefunction-of restraining or retarding the'gas evolved from theelectrolyte at or in the region of the plates from escaping through thebody of the electrolyte so as to become mingled together, and ofenabling the separated ases to be collected and conducted away orstorage and use in anysuitable, convenient, or well known manner. Thecircuit terminals are connected to the plates 15 by means of the rods16. In order to reduce the electrical resistance ofthe cell to thelowest possible point, particularly in the connection of the poles 16 tothe plates 15, said poles are provided with extensions 17 which extendtransversely of the plates through the space separating the plates, andare fused, welded, or otherwise secured to the inner or opposed surfacesof the plates. In order to secure an eflicient circulation of theelectrolyte and to increase the contact area of the lates, said platesmay be provided with ion itudinal slots or openings 19, see .Fig. 4. hesame result may be obtained'by. suitably crimping or corrugatinghydrogen for commercial use, the current required being greatlyminimized by reason of the reduction in the intensity thereof of perunit of surface of the electrode plates as Well as by the reductioneffected of the internal electrical resistance of the cell.

It is obvious that the electrode plates embodying my invention may beassembled, insulated and relatively arranged and sup ported Within thecell in any suitable or con venient manner and the details thereof formno part of my present invention.

Having now set forth the object andnature of my invention and variousforms of electrode plates embodying the principles thereof, What I claimas new and useful and of my own invention, and desire to secure byLetters Patent, is

1. An electrode for electrolytic cells comprising a pair of metal platesarranged in parallel relation adjacent each other, and

circuit terminal rods or poles having extensions interposed between saidplates and extending transversely thereacross, and homogeneouslyconnected thereto, said plates being longitudinally crimped orcorrugated.

2. An electrode for electrolytic cells comprising a pair of metal platesarranged in parallel relation adjacent each other, and circuit terminalrods or poles having extensions interposed between said plates andextending transversely thereacross, and homogeneously connected thereto.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand in the presence of thesubscribing Witnesses, on this 12th day of October A. D, 1912.

JOHN B. BURDETT.

